Comcast's security experts have observed an increase in spamming exploits - specifically, attempts by spammers to hijack and use unprotected or infected computers to deliver their spam. The spammers' intent is to disguise their own identities and they can accomplish these attacks without the knowledge of the computer owner. Therefore, if you received one of these email error messages, it's possible that your computer is being used by these spammers without your authorization.
If you received the below error message when trying to send email, it is possible that your computer is infected with a virus and you will need to take immediate actions to clean and protect your computer. To stop this unauthorized access to your computer, follow the steps below:
- Visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/ to make sure that you have the latest patches and updates from Microsoft
- Install a personal firewall or anti-virus software to secure your PC
Note: Visit the Security Center section of Comcast.net to take advantage of the free security offer from McAfee
- Have your computer professionally cleaned at your local computer or electronics retailer
As a part of Comcast's ongoing efforts to protect our customers and our network, we temporarily (24-hours) suspend email accounts on any customers generating abnormally high outbound email traffic.
If you are certain that your PC is not infected with a virus, and you send out a large number of legitimate, requested email messages per day, you are encouraged to reduce your daily volume to 1,000 email receipts, or consider a business-class email through Comcast Business Services, which provides higher daily email limits that may meet your need.